Britain will today set out plans for a major policy shake-up to secure energy supplies and fight global warming, calling for new nuclear power plants and stressing key roles for businesses and individuals.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and many of his ministers insist Britain must have a new generation of nuclear power plants to replace the 20 percent of electric power its ageing network provides, angering some environmental groups.
"I am determined that we should not become over-dependent on more and more imported oil and gas," Trade and Industry Minister Alastair Darling has said.
"I believe that nuclear has to be part of the energy mix along with more renewables, local energy and carbon capture from fossil fuels."
The Energy White Paper that Darling will present to parliament on Wednesday will cover all the energy options and make it clear that the government wants nuclear power, a spokesman for Darling's trade ministry said.
But because it was rapped over the knuckles earlier this year for failing to consult the public adequately on the nuclear issue, the government will also today be forced to launch a full consultation process lasting several months.